A natural gas pipeline exploded early Sunday, creating a massive fireball that blackened a freight train and lit up the night sky across a 60-mile radius, local authorities said.
The blast happened shortly after 1 a.m. along Interstate 80 west of Cheyenne when callers reported explosions to authorities, according to Laramie County Fire District #10. The accident involved a Union Pacific Railroad train and a natural gas pipeline near mile marker 350.
The flames were visible as far south as Loveland, Colorado, with multiple witnesses describing what they saw as explosions that illuminated the darkness across the region.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded immediately to contain the fire that ensued. The response included help from Laramie County Fire Authority, Cheyenne Fire and Rescue, Laramie County Fire District 1, and Laramie County Emergency Management.
Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control by 9 a.m., officials said. Aerial photos taken from the scene show that Union Pacific freight cars remained upright but were severely charred as crews work to clean up the surrounding area around the railway tracks.
The train came to a halt around 2 a.m. when it approached within about 40 feet of the fire on the damaged Kinder Morgan pipeline, according to Union Pacific spokesperson Kristen South. No rail cars derailed in the incident, and operators of the railroad are working with fire officials to assess potential track repairs, South said.
"This was a significant and dangerous event, and we are grateful for the quick actions of our first responders and partner agencies. Their teamwork ensured the safety of the community and prevented further escalation," said Incident Commander Division Chief Caeden Quist.
Energy infrastructure company Kinder Morgan Inc. directed inquiries about the pipeline rupture to the National Transportation Safety Board. Federal investigators were scheduled to arrive at the scene Monday to begin reviewing the incident.
The cause of the pipeline rupture remains under investigation by both Union Pacific Railroad and the National Transportation Safety Board.
By Sunday evening, flames had been extinguished with only isolated smoldering. Cleanup is ongoing. The fire district said it would continue supporting the ongoing investigation and provide additional updates as information becomes available.